Early Years Local Offer response

Learning and development

Systems and strategies we have in place to identify children that may require additional support

Children's registration form includes any allergies, dietary requirements, religious and medical backgrounds. All about me forms tell us children's likes, dislikes and things that are special to them at home. All parents have an induction with the manager. Baseline assessments are completed upon entry. Tracking, developmental summaries, long and short observations are completed for each child in line with the EYFS which support next steps and planning. We also use the Every Child A Talker monitoring tool to monitor children's communication and language development.

How we identify and support children's learning and development needs

Staff are trained in Behaviour Management and Special Educational Needs. Staff communicate with parents to ensure any signs of delay are picked up as soon as possible and actioned with the six week observation process.

Links we have to other agencies

We have annual Early Years Action visits. When the need arises we have worked with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, SALT and have also attended TAC meetings linking us with other professionals. Our SENCO and Deputy attend regular network meetings.

How we support children transferring to school

We feed into our local primary schools and support links with visits both to the school and for the teachers to visit the setting. We also share information such as learning and development summaries, and support the child and family during settling sessions at the school.

Welfare

Specialist skills or training our staff have

We have a rolling training programme that links to the nursery Quality Improvement Plan. Staff have also completed SENCO Induction days, Safeguarding and Behaviour Management. The owners of the nursery are also currently working towards their forest school qualification. 

Support we offer regarding children's health and well-being

We have received our 5 stars with Cornwall Council Healthy Under 5's. All staff are trained in basic safeguarding and the management team are trained in the level 3 multi agency training. This is also on a rolling renewal process. Mike is our designated person for safeguarding. Risk assessments are carried out and reviewed on a termly basis. We have accessed the early years bereavement toolkit in the past. Quiet areas are incorporated in every room to enable the children to have an area they can relax. 2 Year checks are completed and meetings are held to share the development progress and gain parents input. Strong key person systems are in place with children being able to choose their own key person. Our SENCO has been involved in early years support and has attended TAC meetings.

Ways we inform parents about how their child is being supported

The Caterpillar room use daily feedback books to inform parents about daily progress and the Butterfly rooms use a communication board with daily activities displayed clearly. Parents evenings are held twice a year. Parents are encouraged to share "wow" moments via our online Learning Journey system Tapestry. Summaries are published every half term for parents to see their child's development progress. Key persons are available daily to talk to parents.

Our complaints policy

Our complaints policy can be accessed by parents on request.

Access

Alterations we have made to make our building accessible

We have wide door frames which accommodate wheelchairs and walking frames. We have a ramp to the side of the building and our garden is accessible to all with adult support. Visual supports are also on display around the nursery that show Fire Exits, Toilets and No Access areas.

Facilities we have for personal care

All staff in the setting are DBS checked before being allowed to be alone with the children or to carry out nappy changes and toileting. Changing areas are discreet and curtains can be pulled to give extra privacy in the children's toilets. We have visual aid for hand washing. Key persons support the child and family with toilet training and work with parents to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible.

Specialist resources we have

We have various speech and language resources including "babbling babies" and "talking toddlers". We also have a peanut ball which is used to support children with their physical skills.

How we include all children in activities, such as trips

Trips off site are planned within the nursery. All trips are risk assessed and parents are invited to attend for extra support. We talk to the children to prepare them about what to expect.